Effect of 8 Weeks of Resistance Training Combined With Pomegranate Extract Supplementation on Resting Metabolic Rate, Hypertrophy, and Muscle Strength of Inactive Male College Students

Consumption of pomegranate extract along with resistance training can improve the blood flow, resting metabolism and cause weight loss. However, their effect on body composition and weight control has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training combined with pomegranate extract supplementation on resting metabolic rate, hypertrophy and muscle strength of inactive male college students. 

In this quasi-experimental study, 42 inactive male college students voluntary participated after signing a written informed consent form. They were randomly divided into four groups: resistance training (n=11), resistance training + supplementation (n=11), supplementation (n=10), and control (n=10). The resistance training was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week and included two movements for the upper body (barbell chest press and barbell shoulder press) and two movements for the lower body (leg extension and leg press with machine). The pomegranate extract was consumed at a dose of 100 mL 3 times a week (half an hour before training). Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance with least significant difference post hoc test and paired t-test considering a significance level of P≤0.05. 

The rate of muscle hypertrophy (hip circumference) increased significantly after intervention in two groups of resistance training and resistance training + supplementation, which was higher in the combined intervention group (P=0.001). The maximum strength in lower body muscles also increased significantly after intervention in these two groups (P=0.001). Body fat percentage decreased significantly in the resistance training + supplementation group (P=0.03). No significant change was observed in the resting metabolic rate of the study groups (P>0.05).

It seems that the combination of resistance training with pomegranate extract supplementation increases the muscle strength and hypertrophy in young men.